Along with hints of fall in the air comes that deep-seated desire for us

to plant something. The changing of seasons leaves the stressful heat

and drought of summer behind and brings promise of cooler temper-

atures and much needed rainfall.

 

All gardeners should know that autumn is the best time to plant trees.

 

My favorites are the shade trees, and I especially love all the oaks.

Planted and watered properly, young trees will grow fast and can

dramatically enhance our landscapes.

 

Apart from their beauty, there is a practical consideration too. If you

plant them in the right place, shade trees will cool off the air around

your home and help offset costly utility bills.

 

We have two native Texas oaks that are considered evergreen: the live

oak and the Mexican white oak.

 

Both hold their foliage throughout the winter months, but then shed

their leaves around the end of February-early March. Spring growth

follows in 2 to 3 weeks.

 

Evergreen oaks are also highly effective as windbreaks and privacy

screens.  In addition, when planted on the east, south, and west sides

of a house, they’ll provide you with winter shade.

 

We also have some deciduous oaks to choose from: the Chinquapin,

Shumard and Bur Oak.

 

For fall color, the Shumards (commonly known as the Texas red oak)

are hard to beat. They carry their brilliant red/orange fall colors through-

out November and December, and late trees can hold these colors

even into January. (A good place to see Shumards is at the Southpark

Shopping Center.)

 

The Chinquapin’s fall color is yellow/rust to dark bronze/red.

 

The stately Bur oak sheds its big leaves without fall color change. 

However during the winter months you can enjoy the stark beauty

of their bark and branching structure..

 

Considered slow growing, the oaks have often been overlooked by

homeowners and property developers in their quest for fast growing

shade trees. People have often made the mistake of choosing soft-

wooded trees like Arizona ash, only to find a few years later that

they are short lived and expensive to remove.

 

The oaks, however, when planted properly and watered on a regular

basis, can grow as much as 3 feet a year in height and width. That’s

fifteen feet in five years. Now that’s shade!.

Happy Gardening Everyone!

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